The world’s first dedicated PhD programme in alternative proteins
Our programme is designed to train future scientific leaders while delivering meaningful industrial impact.
A global ecosystem of scientific and industry leaders
Students are a part of Imperial’s world-class laboratories and supported by supervisors across bioengineering, fermentation, cellular agriculture, food science, and systems biology. Each project is shaped by real industry challenges and aligned with emerging commercial opportunities.
This section will showcase:
- Current PhD students
- Research topics
- Host laboratories
- Supervisory teams
Over 50 students from across Imperial and our network of ‘Spoke’ institutions.
The Bezos Centre PhD programme, with over 50 students from across Imperial and our network of ‘Spoke’ institutions, trains the next generation of food leaders to work across the full innovation pipeline – from scientific discovery through to consumer adoption.
Each project is supported to receive:
- A validated industry need and a defined impact objective (i.e. waste reduction, upcycling, cost or efficiency gains)
- A clear IP and translation pathway
- Students are recruited to specific, industry-aligned challenges
As part of the training programme, students receive full access to the Bezos Centre ecosystem, and more specifically:
- Travel and conference grants
- Journal clubs and technology-specific sessions
- IP, LCA and TEA Support
- Access to global ecosystem
- Mentorship from Bezos Centre academics
- Commercialisation Training
PhD in Consumer Acceptance and Marketing Strategies (Alternative Proteins)
Investigating consumer perception and strategies to enhance acceptance and drive adoption of alternative proteins.
This research will generate evidence-based insights to guide the policy design, interventions, and market strategies that promote healthier and more sustainable diets across the population.
Advancing sustainable food systems through consumer-centered research
This project operates at the intersection of public health, sustainability, and market innovation, using applied research to bridge consumer insights with practical applications.
By aligning alternative protein offerings with consumer values and behaviours, the student will generate actionable recommendations for key stakeholders. In doing so, this work will directly advance the Bezos Centre’s mission to build a sustainable, equitable, resilient, and healthy food system.
PhD in Sustainable Protein Futures: Infrastructure, Location, and Life Cycle Approaches
Exploring the intersection of policy and alternative proteins, shaping regulatory frameworks and governance.
This research will investigate the socio-geographic factors and systemic drivers that influence where and how emerging agri-food industries, such as cultivated and fermentation-based protein technologies, should be located.
Supporting a just transition through sustainable protein innovation
This project is ultimately situated in the concept of just transition, in which those most affected by a technological or production transition are provided with opportunity to contribute to emergent alternatives.
In this case, the land-use change that would result from a reduction in cropping for animal feed, potentially in favour of sustainable protein substrate production, will be key to understanding where and how people may be affected and thus in supporting the creation of opportunity for them in future alternative protein industries.
PhD in Precision Fermentation (Sustainable C1-feedstocks)
Developing hydrogen-oxidising bacteria to produce sustainable proteins from air and electricity, reducing reliance on agriculture.
This research will deepen our understanding of the physiology of different species of HOBs, and develop genetic tools and small-scale gas fermentors such that we can engineer these microbes towards the production of various food ingredients.
By using synthetic biology, microbiology, reactor development, protein- and metabolic- engineering this project aims to advance our capacity to decouple food production from agriculture to minimise the use of arable land the use of water.
Decoupling food production from agriculture
This project aims to enable a food supply chain that is independent of agriculture, which requires minimal land and water, and offers potential for carbon-neutral production and carbon capture.
Hydrogen-oxidising bacteria (HOBs) convert atmospheric CO₂ and green H₂ into biomass via gas fermentation, a process already used for food-grade single cell protein production. Given global demand for protein is expected to grow by 40% by 2050 and given traditional agriculture contributes 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions and uses vast amounts of arable land and fresh water, HOB-based food production could be key for a more sustainable food chain.
Ways to Engage: Partnering on the PhD Programme
The Bezos Centre PhD Programme 2026 is designed to maximise industrial value across the full innovation lifecycle, from defining research priorities to translating discoveries into deployable solutions.
We offer three partnership models:
Project Partner
Shape high-impact research
Co-fund a dedicated PhD aligned to your innovation needs, supervised by world-leading academics and supported by the Bezos Centre.
Includes:
- Joint scoping with your R&D team
- Academic pairing and co-supervision
- Access to pre-competitive research and data
- Translation support and IP guidance
- Priority access to follow-on projects or spinouts
Ideal for organisations seeking deep collaboration, strategic alignment and direct influence over research outcomes.
Collaborative Partner
Co-create new solutions
Join or co-fund a shared-interest PhD project alongside another organisation addressing a common challenge.
Includes:
- Shared-cost co-funded PhD
- Joint challenge scoping workshop
- Academic pairing and tailored project design
- Ongoing engagement throughout the PhD lifecycle
- Shared access to research outputs
Ideal for organisations seeking targeted collaboration with reduced financial commitment and shared risk.
Insight Partner
Guide the Direction
Contribute to shaping future research by sharing your R&D priorities, emerging challenges, and areas of opportunity.
Includes:
- Participation in research framing discussions
- Early visibility of upcoming PhD themes
- Access to talent pipeline and scientific network
- Strategic brand visibility within the Centre’s ecosystem
Ideal for organisations new to the Centre or seeking strategic engagement and visibility before committing to co-funding.
Shape the future of sustainable protein
Whether you are a student, researcher, startup, corporate partner, or investor, the Bezos Centre offers pathways to engage, learn, and build together.
From doctoral training to executive education, we are creating the talent pipeline that will power a more sustainable, resilient, and affordable food system.
